A publication edited by two distinguished members of the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of Pretoria, Prof Cas Wepener, former head of the Department of Practical Theology, and Rev Anandie Greyling, current lecturer in the same department, was recently awarded the Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Prize for a Debut Work by the Andrew Murray Prize Fund.

The citation for their literary accomplishment summarizes the significance of the occasion thus: “Cas Wepener and Anandie Greyling are editors to the winning publication for the Desmond Tutu-Gerrit Brand Prize 2020: Ongekaart – ‘n Bronboek met roetemerkers vir oorgange (Unchartered – A Resource book with route markers for transitions, published by Bybelkor). The book came in consideration for the debut prize since it is a first publication for some of the contributors. It addresses a very current need in the religious world: a world looking for markers and rituals to give meaning to life. Many of the transitions and meaningful moments in the life of modern people are “unchartered” on the church atlas. This book helps people of faith and especially religious leaders to reflect on thresholds, the new beginnings and endings in their lives. The short and gripping contributions help people understand that transitions needn’t be fearful.”

Prof Cas Wepener		Rev Anandie Greyling

As declared on its website, “The Andrew Murray Prize Fund aims to encourage excellence and quality in the Christian media world by awarding prizes to publications and productions in Afrikaans and all the other languages of South. The flagships of the Prize Fund are the two book prizes, namely the Andrew Murray Prize for Christian and theological publications in Afrikaans, and the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize for Christian and theological publications in any official language of South Africa. Apart from these prizes, the Prize Fund also awards prizes to theological articles, Christian journalism, Christian radio programmes, and Christian film and audio productions. Special awards are given from time to time.”

Prof Jerry Pillay, Dean of the Faculty, along with all its staff, students and associates wish to congratulate Prof Wepener and Rev Greyling, joining them in celebration as they further establish their place in the theological landscape of South Africa.